Six police officers were injured during clashes with demonstrators outside the State University of Novi Pazar, local police chief Nermin Ljajić said on Tuesday.
Ljajić urged citizens gathered at the university entrance to disperse, calling it “the only way to de-escalate the situation.”
“Police have not used force at any point, yet we were attacked four times,” he told reporters. “Six officers are now in hospital.”
Responding to claims by citizens that alleged “criminals” attacked students and forced them from the university building, Ljajić said anyone who had been assaulted should file a report, which would be investigated.
Tensions rose earlier in the day as demonstrators clashed with police in front of the university. Officers equipped with riot gear later withdrew from the entrance and joined gendarmerie units stationed nearby, about 50 metres away, according to local media.
Protesters erected makeshift barricades and blocked additional police units from accessing the university. Authorities said officers were deployed at the request of the university administration to maintain public order.
In a statement, the Ministry of Interior said individuals attempted to breach a police cordon and enter university premises but retreated after officers issued warnings.
During one confrontation, demonstrators reportedly threw bottles at officers, injuring several, including Ljajić, who was struck in the head while trying to calm tensions.
The Interior Ministry condemned the violence and called for calm and restraint, warning it would not tolerate any form of public disorder or attacks on law enforcement.
“Police will continue to act within the law and, in coordination with prosecutors, investigate all circumstances and prosecute those responsible,” the ministry said.